Big Name Available Player Primer: Michael Vick

(Today in the available player primer, we will look at Mike Vick. Yes, I know, again.)

We have already debunked this rumor when Bernie Miklasz spoke to Billy Devaney and others about Vick, but the rumor keep resurfacing with national media members online and off. These media members start rumors by seeing the connection between Billy Devaney from Atlanta when Vick was there and being current GM of the Rams.

Mike Vick is only gaining prominence because of the Wildcat/Wildhog/Direct Snap phenomenon. Provided he kept in shape or could return quickly to his playing shape, Vick is the prototypical direct snap running back. He has speed and shiftiness to run inside with the increased space the Wildcat provides. He has the speed to run outside. He has an incredible arm and enough accuracy on the run to keep defenses honest.

However, the Rams already have a player to run the direct-snap play with: Steven Jackson.

Michael Vick is no longer going to be a typical quarterback, so his mediocre quarterbacking skills have no bearing on his value going forward.

As with most of the available players, Vick would bring a media circus of epic proportions. Not only a media circus, but PETA protests at every game. Being that the Rams are not interested in this type of attention, the odds are long. Whoever signs Vick will need a strong owner who can stand up and face the protestors and give ESPN 700 interviews. The Rams don’t even know who their owner will be going forward.

So, let’s see. The Rams don’t run the wildcat. If they do, they have someone on their roster who would be great anyway. So, they don’t need Vick and don’t want the distraction. So, no to Vick for the second time.